On Modesty

Tertullian of Carthage · c. 217 AD

Ante-Nicene Fathers (Roberts–Donaldson), Roberts, Donaldson, and Coxe (eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, Buffalo: Christian Literature Publishing, 1885–1887; digitized by CCEL.

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus; the first great Latin Christian writer. A North African of Carthage, trained in rhetoric and law; coined much of the Latin theological vocabulary the West later inherited (Trinitas, persona, substantia). His pre-Montanist works are widely cited and respected; his later embrace of the New Prophecy (Montanism) places him outside the catalogue of formally venerated saints, though he is treated honourably as a witness and theologian.

Contents

1. Chapter I
2. God Just as Well as Merciful; Accordingly, Mercy Must Not Be Indiscriminate.
3. An Objection Anticipated Before the Discussion Above Promised is Commenced.
4. Adultery and Fornication Synonymous.
5. Of the Prohibition of Adultery in the Decalogue.
6. Examples of Such Offences Under the Old Dispensation No Pattern for the Disciples of the New.  But Even the Old Has Examples of Vengeance Upon Such Offences.
7. Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma.
8. Of the Prodigal Son.
9. Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation.  These Applied to the Parables Now Under Consideration, Especially to that of the Prodigal Son.
10. Repentance More Competent to Heathens Than to Christians.
11. From Parables Tertullian Comes to Consider Definite Acts of the Lord.
12. Of the Verdict of the Apostles, Assembled in Council, Upon the Subject of Adultery.
13. Of St. Paul, and the Person Whom He Urges the Corinthians to Forgive.
14. The Same Subject Continued.
15. The Same Subject Continued.
16. General Consistency of the Apostle.
17. Consistency of the Apostle in His Other Epistles.
18. Answer to a Psychical Objection.
19. Objections from the Revelation and the First Epistle of St. John Refuted.
20. From Apostolic Teaching Tertullian Turns to that of Companions of the Apostles, and of the Law.
21. Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power of the Keys.
22. Of Martyrs, and Their Intercession on Behalf of Scandalous Offenders.
23. Elucidations.